One budding young chef from Midleton was amongst the finalists as Ireland’s most promising young cooks went head-to-head at Munster Technological University (MTU) Cork campus for the second annual Post-Primary School Cookery Competition ‘Taste of Home’, on Friday, 27th February.
Hosted by the Department of Tourism & Hospitality at MTU, in partnership with Blas na hÉireann, the competition brought together 16 of the country’s most talented student cooks for a culinary showcase focused on skill, sustainability and Irish produce.
Finalists, representing post-primary schools nationwide, were tasked with preparing either a main course or dessert for two people within 1 hour and 45 minutes, using a minimum of three locally produced or Irish ingredients.
Eight students competed in the Junior category and eight in the Senior category, transforming MTU’s training kitchens into a live professional competition environment.
WINNERS
3rd Year student, Jackson Cooney, from St Colman’s Community College in Midleton, competed in the Junior category with his dish Panko fried pork with black pudding, stewed apple and vegetables. Schull Community College had two participants in this category. Ultimate honours here however went to Maggie Cunnane (3rd Yr) from St Paul’s Secondary School, Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, recipient of the gold medal – her offering was a lemon meringue cheesecake. The Junior category silver winner was Ciara O’Connor (3rd Yr), Méan Scoil Nua An Leith Triúigh, Castlegregory, County Kerry.
Meadbh Hartnett (5th Year) from Holy Family Secondary School, Newbridge, Co. Kildare was gold winner in the Senior category with her dish roasted citrus spatchcock chicken with potato salad, celeriac puree and cauliflower steaks.
Senior Category Silver winner was Caoimhlin Duggan (TY student) from St. Brogan’s College, Bandon, Co. Cork.
Each winner was awarded prizes of culinary equipment, books, and a trophy in memory of Margaret Keady. Their teachers were also recognised with prizes.
The judging panel featured award-winning pastry chef Shane Smith, a regular contributor to RTÉ One’s The Today Show, alongside Cork chef Kate Lawlor, former head chef and owner of Fenn’s Quay and now leading the culinary offering at K O’Connell’s Fishmongers in Dunnes Stores, Patrick Street.
The event successfully celebrated Ireland’s vibrant food culture, fostering an appreciation for sustainable cooking and culinary innovation among young cooks. The competition will be an annual event for Munster Technological University, inspiring even more students to explore the art of cooking with Irish ingredients.
